Fashion Oh-No!: Sheer Leggings

I was at the check out of the grocery store today and happen to look up (to my dismay) and accidently checked out a girls bum. I'm talking butt crack, thong and everything, fully out there on display through her sheer leggings. (Poor girl, she didn't have a clue.) Sadly, this is the second time this month that I've encountered a full moon through what-should-have-been-opaque tights.

Please ladies, if you're going to wear leggings as pants, let's make sure that our leggings are completely opaque. AND please, wear a shirt past your naughty bits, there's no need to put it all on display.

Thank you and have a safe and happy New Year everyone! Diana and I have been slacking hardcore but we promise regular postings soon.

::: Nathalie

Picture sourced through Google images.

Review: American Apparel Nail Polish

It seems all I'm really interested in these days is nail polish.
Last night, I received my order of nail polishes from American Apparel.
I purchased the following shades (from left): mouse, hunter, office, peacock and factory grey.

Having the patience of an 4-year-old, I applied peacock roughly 3 minutes after tearing open the package. I was going to post a picture, but my hands look pretty rough (Canadian winter, yo) and I didn't want them to look like the model from the Free People website.

Anyhow, here are my initial reactions:

1. Colours are incredible. They're vibrant & opaque (I HATE HATE HATE SHIMMER).
2. The formula dries at an average rate (no where near as close as Gosh but faster than Essie).
3. I didn't apply a top coat, and there appears to be some chipping. But I really think that would happen with any nail polish when not prepped and finished properly.
4. They're free of DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde. Always a plus.
5. Each is $6 bucks, which is pretty decent if you ask me - especially for shades of this caliber.

Long story short: buy 'em (but only if you wanna).

-D

Update Feb 11, 2010:
Sorry this is late, but turns out that the nail polishes are off the shelves due to quality issues with the glass the nail polishes were placed in. Mine are still a-ok, and I'm still a fan.

Nails, Nails, Nails

I dunno what it is, but I'm nail polish crazy recently. As many issues as I have with American Apparel, I'm kinda pumped that they're coming out with a new nail polish line.

Sorry for the lack of posts recently. Nathalie and I are being lazy, but we promise that we're gonna do a new beauty minute soon.

-D

Paul Smith Evian

I was out grocery shopping with my mum the other day and nearly lost it when I saw the 2010 Evian bottle designed by Paul Smith. It's gorgeous!

It's nicely displayed on my buffet table beside the Lacroix bottle. (Gaultier didn't make the cut - for such a colorful and exciting designer, his bottle was too boring.)

::: Nathalie

PS - Note the beautiful metal tiled mirror in the background, hand crafted by my super talented husband. He's got them on sale at Elliot & Ward in Toronto. Check out this lovely home furnishing shop if you're looking for some chic, sophisticated and unique items for your home.

iPhone Case

It's been about three years since we last made an iPod case, but it's time again. I just made this model for my iPhone - wool houndstooth, beads, and gold feathers. I quite like it.

::: Nathalie

Happy Bday!

Diana celebrated her birthday this past Wednesday.

We threw a dinner for her Saturday night: spaghetti and chicken parmesan and toasted with pink sparking wine. Homemade Red Velvet Cupcakes were served for dessert. Yum!

Happy Birthday Diana!!!

::: Nathalie

Rough Around the Edges

We were pretty pumped to learn from Yulanda that Free People offers decent shipping rates to Canada.

I really want the ring pictured to the left - but check out the model's nails. That's rough! Free People, dontcha think it's important to prep your peeps before taking pictures?

Just a word to the wise.

-D

Tips for your TIPS

In a facebook convo, Steph asked me if I thought there was a difference between high and low end nail polishes.

I'm not really sure what Nathalie (who is a crazy nail polish fiend) would say, but I'm of the opinion that it really depends on the brand.

For example, I really dislike MAC's nail polishes. I always find their colours to be very limited and the formula never stays as long as I'd like. Also, I find that it takes a very long time to dry. Considering that they retail for rougly $16 after taxes, I expect more.

I'm sure you've seen Sally Hansen nail polishes at your local drugstore. At the moment, I'm particularly fond of their Xtreme wear line, which is boasting some really fun colours. They cost around $4 after taxes and I find that I can go an entire week without any chipping, which is insane. On the downside, I find that some of their shades (like 'Blue Me Away'', pictured) tend to stain my nails (but that's really my fault for being too lazy to wear a base coat).

I know that Nathalie's a huge fan of essie nail polishes. The colour range is fairly good, and they come out with some interesting sets during the holidays. They are also moderately priced, and I find that the formula goes on easily, doesn't streak and dries quickly. Nathalie has complained on more than one occasion about being unable to find these nail polishes, but I see them fairly frequently at Trade Secrets and at the occasional Shopper's Drg Mart. essie nail polishes are usually $10 - $12, depending on where you pick them up.

On a quick note to end this post, I gotta say in general OPI makes great nail polishes. However, the polishes they've done for Sephora are inferior in quality.

-D

Tiffany & Co. Yorkdale bracelet

The new Tiffany's Yorkdale bracelet donates proceeds (but at what percentage?) to Sick Kids hospital.
Marketing at it's finest. The bracelet retails for $295 and goes on sale tomorrow, Nov 19th, at limited quantities.

Wonderful cause, pretty bracelet. If I didn't already have a Tiffany's charm bracelet, I'd be all over this.

::: Nathalie

Thanks for Diana for keeping her eyes peeled about this.

Source

What's On The Inside

Welcome to the contents of my purse.

What's in yours?

In Mine:

• Bag: Michael Kors

• Wallet, change purse, perfume, eye glasses and sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs (I know, I have a problem)

• Mac Lipgloss

• Philosophy Lipgloss

• Joe Fresh gloves

Old Brand, New Vision

I am completely obsessed with Burberry's Art of the Trench, where stylish folk, young and old pay hommage to the brand's quintessential piece, the Trench Coat. Props to whoever came up with this idea, because it's social media at its finest.

-D

From Prime Time to Pop

So this is news to me: Leighton Meester is attempting to pursue a music career?!
Feel free to gossip about it. Har Har.

-D

Feist at Holts

Feist playing Mushaboom at Thursday's window unveiling.

Small Wonder

Been meaning to post this for a while.
Was highly amused by this vid from Grazia Daily,where one of their peeps tries to determine which pieces from the Stella McCartney's Holiday 2009 Collection for Gap Kids would fit an adult body.

-D

Comme des Garçons, Beatles Collection

What what what?! Commes des Garçon colleboration with The Beatles?

What fun! The small collection consists of travel

bags, shirts and tshirts ranging from $115 - $680.

Designer Rei Kawakubo will be using non-leather,

animal friendly PVC materials for the bags out of

personal preference and respect for Sir Paul

McCartney. Bags will be made in Japan.

The collection will roll out slowly, launching at the

Trading Museum in Tokyo on Nov 20 and later at

the Dover Street Market on Nov 27th.

Commercial release is set for 2010.

Check out source for more info.

::: Nathalie

Holts Window Unveiling P.2

Oh the Holts window unveiling.

Due to people bailing and bad timing, I arrived "late". Like an hour before close "late". The ET Canada stage was empty, Feist was long gone and people were already at work tearing it down. No one was left.

Oh, except for Dylan Lauren on the third floor. I didn't bother chatting her up or asking her to take a photo with me. Boring.

I did though, get the new L.A.M.B. Zip wallet. I've been without one since my Marc Jacobs was stolen from my gym locker in July. Otherwise, uneventful hour. I missed all the fun.

(Thanks for coming with me Geoff! I owe you one.)

::: Nathalie

Outfit: Hat and scarf, H&M. Trench, Joe Fresh. Bag, See By Chloé. Watch, Michael Kors. Tights, H&M. Shoes, Modern Vintage.

Wearing Intimates to Work

Partially inspired by Joe Fresh's Spring 2010 Collection, where models were strutting down the runway in their undergarments, I started to think about wearing intimates outside of the bedroom.

I purchased this flannel nightie from American Eagle in three colours and fully plan to wear it to work. No one has to know what section I got it from, right?

-D

Heeled Oxford Bootie?

Nine West Talynn boot - black suede, 3.5" heel, brilliant menswear style that I've been searching for. Should I... ?

Nine West Talynn booties
	YES
	NO
pollcode.com free polls

::: Nathalie

PS - I dropped my iPhone a couple of weeks back and the camera hasn't been the same since. Follow this advice carefully - invest in a good case. Your iPhone will thank you.

Holts Window Unveiling

Yes, they've done us bad in the past but we can't help but still love them. This Thursday Diana and I will be at the Bloor Holts for the 5th Annual Window unveiling and to get a jump start on some holiday shopping. Let's get in the spirit of retail!

::: Nathalie

Garance Doré does Celine

Stripe me

I have a major weakness for stripes so how could I resist the Velvet Yvette V Neck Top from Shopbop? I had a gift certificate but it's too bad I didn't take advantage of last weeks coupon. Darn.

::: Nathalie

September Issue premiers in Toronto

The September Issue premiers today at the Varsity on Bloor Street. The movie will open in three other theaters in Scarborough, Toronto and Mississauga tomorrow. What will you be doing this weekend?

::: Nathalie

Winter Wear

This years winter wish list will be kept to the absolute necessities: fabulously warm parka and hardcore winter boots. Slippery streets and bitterly harsh cold winds will mean nothing to me.

::: Nathalie

MBMJ Flap Pouchette

I was surprised that to find the Marc Jacobs flap pouchette is sold out at a majority of online shops. I called the nearest Holts in a panic. They had 2 black pouchettes in stock. With some coaxing, Geoff finally broke and bought it for me. Of course I don't get it till December (Happy Bday/ Xmas to me!)...

::: Nathalie

The Olsen Twins Go The Discount Route

This is the fastest post on Earth.
Busy at work, but figured you should know.

Your favourite twins are coming out with a discount line for JC Penny:
http://www.olsenboye.com/

-D

The Muffs

I'm predicating it now; earmuffs on every girls head this winter. Geoff and I spotted the Burberry ones at Holts this weekend. With the exception of the $150 price tag, we thought they were adorable. But as I learned from Sweet Spot this morning, Roots has a similar pair for $30.

I emailed Diana: "What do you think?"

Diana responds: "You cannot be serious!"

Will you be sporting earmuffs this winter?

::: nathalie

Shop till you... Debt?

I find this commercial rather ineffective. The happy music, swiping of the credit card and giddy girl hopping from store to store makes me want to go shopping. Who cares if you get evicted?

::: Nathalie

SS10 Joe Fresh - Snoozefest

Hotpants at Joe Fresh SS10*

Well wasn't that interesting?
About a minute into the collection I thought, "Oh lord, how much longer?"

Here are my thoughts:

• Too many sheers. Sheer tops, sheer dresses, tight dresses with sheer side panels, and even, sheer coats for men. Yes. A model sported a sheer white coat.
• Underwear as outer wear. What?
  
• Hot pants. In what universe will the Joe Fresh woman pick up a high waisted hotpant (with an exposed zipper) and think "This is great. I can wear this to the annual family picnic!" I wish I'd counted how many times this hotpant was featured on the runway. 5, 18, 22 times?
  
• Ridiculously tall cartoon like hats. I'm reminded of Mister Men.
  
• Clone male models all sporting the same dull short, button down shirt and cardigan combo. (Except for the above mentioned guy who's clearly a trendsetter.)
• The return of clogs! Models looked short and almost stocky as they trotted down the runway in pastel colored clogs. (One poor girl was so revolted by her footwear she actually tripped.)
• Stiff as card board fabrics. Did anyone else notice? Oh, except for maybe those hideous tutu like skirts at the end.
  

One piece did strike my fancy - a classic beige trench coat with cute folded pockets and big buttons. Sorry Joe but this collection is a snooze.

::: Nathalie and Mr. Chatterbox signing off.

PS - What was with the sheer knee-high socks?

*Photo source: Fashion magazine blogger on Twitter.

SS10 Joe Fresh: Live Stream

Joe Fresh is joining the ranks of designers who feature live streamed fashion shows.
Check out the SS10 collection less than 15 mins from now!
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/joefreshstyle

Get Your Shop On

15% off Shopbop.com purchases! Use coupon code INTHEFAMILY15.

F'real, is that ok???

Fashion is constantly testing boundaries. Here's another - Lara Stone in blackface.
I'm thinking WTF???

Source

SS10 Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen's brilliant SS10 runway show is now available online. The show streamed live this past Tuesday at 8:15pm from Paris FW (2:15pm in Toronto).

Designers are looking to the internet as a new venue, streaming live footage of their runway shows. Viktor & Rolf, McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton have already jumped on board.

Is this the future of fashion?

::: Nathalie

Fashion Faux Pas

A little while ago, one of my coworkers purchased the SAME coat I have after admiring it. Style plagiarism is supposed to be a form of flattery, but it's pretty much become a point of irritation for me.

Since then, I've been trying to find a replacement for the aforementioned coat. To my surprise, one of the coats on the main page for Forever 21 Canada really caught my eye. I was obsessing over and it and spent a good 20 minutes looking through the site in a desperate attempt to purchase it. SURPRISE, it's no where to be found.

Here's my beef: why feature an item on your main page if it's not available for sale? I work in ecommerce and at the place I work at, that would never fly.

-D

Marc Jacobs Reality Show?

Marc Jacobs is rumored to have signed to a new reality show with Logo Network, that is said to play like a gay version of the Real Housewives. Will you be watching?

Where Were You When I Was Goth?

Back in '94 Nathalie and I got shoved into lockers and called freaks at our Catholic high school for wearing doc martens and black lipstick. I remember spending an abundance of time looking for black lipstick/nail polish and being incredibly frustrated that it was only available during Halloween.

Well the joke's on the people who made fun of us (or maybe on us, I'm still not sure).
Darker makeup hues are all the rage this season and MAC is all over the trend with their new MAC Style Black Collection. I'm particularly fond of the Nail Lacquer and Mineralized Eye Shadows, but I probably won't bust out the black lips. Reminds me too much of adolescence and I've already got enough angst as an adult.

-D

Oh H&M!

Sonia Rykiel Fall/Winter 2009

Turns out that H&M's next designer is going to be Sonia Rykiel! Her first collection of lingerie will be in stores in December and her knitwear/accessories will be available in February. Really curious to see how her stuff for the chain will turn out.

-D

Jumping The Gun

I'm not getting married anytime soon, but after Nathalie's wedding last year it was inevitable that my mind would wander toward the territory of my bridal wardrobe.

I've pretty much decided this: the dress has to be short and I want interesting accessories. I was on Etsy looking for a pair of boots for Erika, when I came across The English Dept's boleros. They exude a modern and romantic feel that I'm certain will translate beautifully for a lady's big day. I love it so much that I kinda want to buy one now...

-D

The Clothing Show

Lisa and Shannon, Chula Jewelry

Dara Designs

Yesterday marked the opening day of the The Clothing Show. Diana and I stopped by to check it out.

First stop - Chula Jewelry. It only took a quick glance before Diana, Erika, and I instantly fell for their unique, show stopping pieces. Diana picked up mixed metal silver and brass long stranded leaf necklace, Erika walked away with beautiful long silver necklace with turquoise beads dripping down, and I got a gorgeous brass medallion bracelet. Chula designers, Shannon and Tanya Cure's collection reminds us of a cross between Elizabeth + James and House of Harlow 1960. Chula does not have an online shop, but you can find their pieces in Toronto at: Set Me Free, Five O Seven, Leigh & Harlow, Girl Friday and Red Pegasus.

Next up - Dara Dot Designs. We saw enough variations of it at the show, but it was Dara's take on the bamboo scarf that stopped us in our tracks. Made from long strips of organic bamboo, she adorns the scarf with metal links and coconut shells. With a special $15 price point at TCS, how could we say no? Dara's accessories can be found on her Etsy shop or, she'll be at the One Of A Kind Show later this year.

::: Nathalie and Diana

*Thanks to Dara, Lisa and Shannon for taking the time to chat with us.